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What is the Interactive Atlas of Reproductive Health?
The Interactive Atlas of Reproductive Health is a web-based interactive geographic information system (GIS) dedicated to reproductive health issues such as infant mortality, fertility, and low birth weight.
The atlas provides viewers with access to a unique collection of geographic datasets that describe reproductive health indicators. Access to the reproductive health data is provided by an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcIMS™ map server application developed at CDC. The GIS capabilities provided by the ESRI ArcIMS™application enable the viewer to reveal patterns in the reproductive health data that may not have been apparent otherwise.
The atlas project contributes to a CDC-wide initiative to promote geographic information science capabilities within public health. It will provide policymakers and service providers with easily obtainable spatially-based data for program support, as well as a starter set of shapefiles and reproductive health-related data. This data is compatible with locally developed databases that can be used to conduct additional investigations.
To learn more about GIS and how to use the interactive maps and tables, refer to the options located in the navigational menu on the left side of each page.
The interactive maps are visual representations of data based on their geographic location. This allows the viewer to easily recognize clusters and other spatial associations. An interactive table can be displayed in a separate window at the same time as an interactive map. Each window contains elements that can be manipulated independently; such as, sorting table columns or adding an additional layer outline to the map.
Atlas users should note this product uses data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The datasets used for the atlas provide a “snapshot” in time, and have been inputted and manipulated to eliminate identifiable information. Indicators derived from the Atlas may differ from those provided by a local or state health department or an analysis performed by other published health statistics sources. The Atlas allows for specific types of comparisons across time, geography, and population groups.
The Atlas strength lies in the richness of its dataset. An almost infinite choice of comparisons can be made between and among the risk and demographic characteristics. As the Atlas evolves, more information will be available on the Web site regarding updates, opportunities for data use, actual case studies, and technical notes.
For users who are not familiar with health statistics and surveillance reporting
The Atlas provides accurate reporting and comparisons of specific reproductive
health indicators for given time periods. It is not intended to replace public
health data or reports published by local or state jurisdictions for
professionals and others involved in disease control and prevention. The Atlas
helps programs and managers obtain data needed for decision making, especially
when there is limited statistical or technological support.
Users familiar with health statistics and surveillance reporting
Datasets used for the Atlas may be subject to change as information is updated
or better analytic methods are applied. The dynamic nature of health statistics
reporting is reflected in this Atlas. A set of Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) can be found on the Atlas Web site should you have
technical questions concerning the dataset, analysis, or methods used to
develop the Atlas and its content.
The GIS Atlas webpages are specifically designed to be accessible for persons with a variety of disabilities. Please review our Web Accessibility Statement for additional and contact information.
Minimum System Requirements:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 (or higher), Netscape Navigator/Communicator 6 (or higher), and Firefox 2 (or higher) with JavaScript enabled for all three.
- Screen resolutions of 1024 x 768 (or greater)
- 256 colors (or better)
This site is best viewed with screen resolutions of 1152 x 864 or greater, and high color (16 bits) or better.
Known Issues:
1. For Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 (IE) users: The interactive pages of the atlas may not work properly if the IE advanced options are set to run Java 2. To correct this problem—
- On the IE menu bar, go to Tools, then Internet Options, then the Advanced tab.
- Scroll down to where it says Java (Sun) and uncheck Use Java 2 (Sun).
- Scroll down to where it says Microsoft VM and check all three options-Java console enabled, Java logging enabled, and JIT compiler for virtual machine enabled.
2. For Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 (IE) users: The data retrieval process will not work properly if atlas sessions are open in more than one tab in the same IE browser. This problem can be overcome in IE by opening a second IE browser, and starting an atlas session in the new browser. This is the only way the user can run simultaneous analyses.
3. For FireFox (FF) users: The data retrieval process will not work properly if multiple atlas sessions are open either in multiple tabs of the same browser or in multiple browsers. There is no way to run simultaneous analyses in FF.
4. Using the browser's back button for navigation within the atlas application may cause unexpected results or undesired effects. The user should always navigate within the atlas using the tabs, buttons, or links available within the application.
Page last reviewed: 12/15/2008
Page last modified: 12/15/2008
Content source: Division of
Reproductive Health, National Center
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion